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You can't create beach wave or cascading curls without a great curling iron; one that's easy to use and operate, heats up quickly to curl hair fast, and reaches a high enough temperature to hold curls without damaging them—and fit your budget. But "depending on the texture of your hair and the type of curl you're looking for," options can vary widely, says Eugene Toye, a stylist at Rita Hazan Salon in New York City.
How to find the right curling iron for your hair?
How to find the right curling iron for your hair?
When shopping for a new curling iron, you'll want to look out for a few attributes and features to make sure you choose the one that's right for your hairstyle (and needs!). Here's what to consider before you shop:
Roller Size: "Based on the texture of your hair and the type of curl you're looking for, you'll decide which size roller to use," says Toye. Use a larger barrel (1 ¼ inches and up) if you want easy beach waves. The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. If your hair is hard to curl, look for a 1-inch curling iron so you're less likely to frizz throughout the day. Want full size? "No matter what style you're going for, a curling iron with a 1 1/4-inch barrel is size for everyday curls," says Toye.
Material: There is a lot of debate about whether ceramic or titanium is better for heat-setting tools. “Titanium is a favorite among stylists, while tourmaline and ceramic are more popular among general consumers,” says Toye. Why? Titanium barrels are generally lighter than ceramics and can maintain high temperatures for a longer period, while ceramic barrels distribute heat more evenly and are less likely to damage hair, so they are more suitable for home consumers with different hair types. That said, GH Beauty Lab found that ceramic and titanium curlers are good heat conductors for all hair types, so don't be fooled by marketing claims that one is better.
Clip: For ultimate versatility, look for extended clips that span the full length of the barrel. In this way, the curling iron can also be used to straighten hair. Some models can be used as a wand by wrapping hair around clips for looser curls and waves. "Clips tend to leave marks in the hair if not used properly," says Toye, which is why some people "prefer a clip-less wand: because it's easier to use."
Adjustable heat settings: "I recommend curling irons with adjustable heat settings," says Toye. Lower temperatures are suitable for finer hair around the face, while higher temperatures are suitable for coarse, natural, or hard-to-curl hair. As a rule of thumb, you should use low heat (180ºF to 370ºF) on chemically treated fine or brittle hair; high heat (375ºF to 395ºF) on healthy hair prone to frizz; and high heat on thick, wavy, or natural hair (400ºF to 420ºF).
Auto-shutoff: Our testers liked irons with an auto-shutoff feature. You never have to worry about remembering to unplug the curling iron as it will automatically shut off.
Roller Size: "Based on the texture of your hair and the type of curl you're looking for, you'll decide which size roller to use," says Toye. Use a larger barrel (1 ¼ inches and up) if you want easy beach waves. The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. If your hair is hard to curl, look for a 1-inch curling iron so you're less likely to frizz throughout the day. Want full size? "No matter what style you're going for, a curling iron with a 1 1/4-inch barrel is size for everyday curls," says Toye.
Material: There is a lot of debate about whether ceramic or titanium is better for heat-setting tools. “Titanium is a favorite among stylists, while tourmaline and ceramic are more popular among general consumers,” says Toye. Why? Titanium barrels are generally lighter than ceramics and can maintain high temperatures for a longer period, while ceramic barrels distribute heat more evenly and are less likely to damage hair, so they are more suitable for home consumers with different hair types. That said, GH Beauty Lab found that ceramic and titanium curlers are good heat conductors for all hair types, so don't be fooled by marketing claims that one is better.
Clip: For ultimate versatility, look for extended clips that span the full length of the barrel. In this way, the curling iron can also be used to straighten hair. Some models can be used as a wand by wrapping hair around clips for looser curls and waves. "Clips tend to leave marks in the hair if not used properly," says Toye, which is why some people "prefer a clip-less wand: because it's easier to use."
Adjustable heat settings: "I recommend curling irons with adjustable heat settings," says Toye. Lower temperatures are suitable for finer hair around the face, while higher temperatures are suitable for coarse, natural, or hard-to-curl hair. As a rule of thumb, you should use low heat (180ºF to 370ºF) on chemically treated fine or brittle hair; high heat (375ºF to 395ºF) on healthy hair prone to frizz; and high heat on thick, wavy, or natural hair (400ºF to 420ºF).
Auto-shutoff: Our testers liked irons with an auto-shutoff feature. You never have to worry about remembering to unplug the curling iron as it will automatically shut off.
